B.A. English studies

Transcription

1 B.A. English STUDIES

2 Bachelor of Arts in English Studies English is a global language and the gateway to politics, business and culture worldwide. In our programme you will be exploring the language, literature, and culture of the English-speaking world, past and present. The course focuses on the United Kingdom, North America, and the postcolonial world. All classes are taught in English. Areas of Study English Studies comprises a diverse set of exciting research fields. Our study programmes are designed to provide a thorough grounding in all of these areas of study, and give ample opportunity to specialise in one of the following fields: Medieval Studies discusses the different stages in the development of English and analyses texts from these periods. Modern Anglophone Literatures and Cultures provides students with a broad knowledge of modern literatures and cultures in English, focusing on areas as diverse as English literature from the 16th century to the present, film and television studies, and postcolonial studies. North American Studies focuses on the innovative transdisciplinary and comparative study of the United States and Canada from their colonial beginnings to the era of postmodern cul-

3 tural practices. One approach to English Linguistics is to analyse how the language system puts meaning into word-form and word-form into sounds and writing, i.e. into language we perceive with our eyes and ears. Based on empirical data, we seek to find out what is possible, what is frequent and why a specific wording is used, e.g. I like that vs. That I like. Another way of looking at language is to focus on the language user and the interactional functions of language. These are key topics in Applied English Linguistics, which investigates language use in social contexts and the underlying cognitive processes involved and works with naturally occurring text and speech as well as with experimental data. B.A. English Studies (Major) Our B.A. major is designed as a three-year programme. Studying abroad, for example at one of our ERASMUS partner universities, is strongly encouraged and supported. The major is accompanied by a minor of your choice. The following gives an overview of the modules in the major programme. A module can consist of lectures, seminars, and tutorials. The additional module Professional Development helps students to gain practical experience and can be completed in the first, second or third year of the B.A. programme. First year Compulsory modules are: Language I Introduction to Language and Communication Studies Introduction to Literary and Cultural Studies You choose one of two modules for each subject: Issues in British and Postcolonial Literature and Culture (or) Issues in North American Literature and Culture Issues in Language and Communication Studies: English Across the Globe (or) Issues in Language and Communication Studies: English through the Ages Second year Compulsory modules are: Language II Language III You choose six of the following ten modules: Postcolonial Literatures and Cultures North American Literatures and Cultures British Literatures and Cultures

4 Focus on North American Popular Culture Focus on English Popular Culture Medieval Studies Language in Culture and Cognition Language Structures and Language Functions Regional Studies GB/IRL Regional Studies North America Third year You choose four of these seven modules: Medieval Culture and History of the English Language Applied Linguistics British and Postcolonial Literatures and Cultures Literatures and Cultures in Comparison North American Studies Current Issues in US-American and Canadian Politics and Economics Focus on Theory In your third year you also write your B.A. thesis on an area related to one of the modules taken that year. During your studies (Major, Double Major) you will also have to gain credits for Professional Development. The programme is complemented by an attractive variety of scholarly events and activities, including guest lectures, conferences and excursions. other study programmes B.A. English Studies (Double Major) This B.A. programme gives you the opportunity to study two subjects and gain equal credits for each. Most of the modules are similar to those listed for our B.A. English Studies major. In your second year, you choose one of three distinctive profiles and thus specialise in one of our subject areas. The three profiles are 1) Language and Communication Studies, 2) British and Postcolonial Studies, and 3) North American Studies. B.A. English Studies (Minor) There is a minor programme with the same subject focus English Studies (Minor). You cannot combine English Studies (Major) with English Studies (Minor). The B.A. English Studies Minor can be completed in two instead of three years. After introductory courses in literary and cultural studies, and in language and communication studies, you choose four modules from our broad first- and secondyear course offerings. Teaching Degree A dual-subject undergraduate programme is followed by one leading

5 to the degree of Master of Education. Students take two main subjects, which are complemented by educational science and periods of vocational training in schools. English Studies can be taken as a subject. The undergraduate phase of the programme consists of two main subjects (as well as didactics/educational science, vocational training periods and the completion of a B.A. thesis). Since most of the modules in the Teaching Degree are similar to those in the B.A. English Studies major, please see above for more detailed descriptions. The subsequent Master s programme again covers two subjects, a practical semester, didactics/educational science and a Master s thesis. While the focus of the B.A. is on the two main academic subjects, the M.A. has a stronger emphasis on educational science and didactics. BONN Bonn is a picturesque city on the Rhine. You will be studying in the former palace of the Archbishop of Cologne. Numerous international organisations have their offices in Bonn, such as the United Nations and the Fairtrade Labelling Organization. Several German government agencies are located here, along with the headquarters of the Deutsche Post and Deutsche Telekom. Bonn is part of a region vibrant with nationally renowned museums and theatres and media including the TV networks RTL and WDR, the radio stations Deutsche Welle, and Deutschlandfunk. It is an ideal place to study, to live, and to start your career. CAREER After receiving your B.A. you can continue your academic education for example with one of our three Master s programmes or embark on your professional life. A unique combination of subject-related and additional qualifications ensures that our graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our graduates are experts in the language and cultures that are shaping globalisation, critical readers and accomplished writers with impressive skills in argumentation who combine intercultural competence with an outstanding proficiency in written and spoken English. Jobs and internships have helped shape the direction of their careers. Our B.A. graduates work in the media, in public relations for companies and institutions, in publishing, for theatres, museums, libraries, for Goethe institutes, in education, politics, and, of course, in academia.

6 REQUIREMENTS Abitur or equivalent certificate of secondary education. If you did not receive your Abitur (or equivalent) at a German or international German-language school, you must provide evidence of a high proficiency in German: DSH-2 or equivalent. Proficiency in a third language is desirable. ADMISSIONS New students are admitted to the programme every winter semester. Classes begin in October. Please check the website of the Studentensekretariat for detailed information on application deadlines: Photo: Uni Bonn

7 For more information please visit our website at or contact Dr. Imke Lichterfeld (Studies Coordinator) Dr. Nicole Meier (Academic Coordinator) Dr. Silke Meyer (Teaching Degree/Lehramt) Address: Department of English, American, and Celtic Studies University of Bonn, Regina-Pacis-Weg Bonn, Germany Design: KLINKEBIEL GmbH Kommunikationsdesign,